A Word from the CEO...

Channel The Beacon was birth from a vision to integrate health, social and educational services for individuals who are disabled to include all ages from birth throughout adulthood. Dr. Johnette Singleton Simmons strives to empower individuals to embrace life through bridging gaps and eliminating disparities and inequities.

Johnette graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the College of Charleston, Charleston, SC; Master's in Business Administration with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Webster University, St. Louis, MO; Doctor of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC; Certified Case Manager under the authority of the Commission for Case Management Certification. Johnette continues to parallel her professional experiences into research studies aimed at exploring health disparities, equity and promotion through quality improvement strategies.

Johnette is passionate about her work for individuals with disabilities and those at a disadvantage for access to healthcare services. Johnette works very closely with individuals and families in the development of supportive and lifestyle plans to achieve healthcare, educational, vocational and personal goals. Through Channel The Beacon, Johnette has partnered with South Carolina's state departments to combat disparities in physical healthcare, behavioral healthcare, disability services, public education and affordable housing.

Johnette is a devoted mother to two wonderful children. As a clinician, Johnette has provided counseling services, case management services, care coordination, discharge reconciliation, housing coordination and health services research. Johnette has been instrumental in aiding individuals with disabilities with maintaining community tenure through partnerships with state government agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, faith-based organizations and community organizations. As an administrator, Johnette serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director for Channel The Beacon. In the past, Johnette has served in various health services capacities to include: Psychiatric Program Coordinator, Affordable Housing Program Development and Coordinator, Researcher, Psychiatric Hospital Transition Coordinator, Business Consultant, Care Coordination Administrator and Business Office Manager. In academic settings, Johnette lectures in health services and human services curricula in areas of Personal and Professional Development; Case Management; Diversity, Program Development, Leadership & Intentional Interviewing Techniques. As a community advocate, Johnette participates in leadership initiatives centered on building leadership skills for youth and young adults living with disabilities. As an individual, Johnette’s motto for life is as follows:

"There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why. I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?" ~Robert Kennedy

Dr. Johnette Singleton Simmons challenges others to Channel The Beacon inside of themselves by positively impacting individuals, communities, states and nations through human services and pledging financial support to further the mission of Channel The Beacon and organizations alike.